Aristophanes, the comic playwright, presented a mythological account. He described early humans as originally whole beings, either male or female, who were split in half by Zeus as punishment. Since then, individuals have sought their other halves through Love, explaining human attraction and the quest for companionship.

The Speech Of Aristophanes

Socrates then engaged Agathon in a philosophical dialogue. Socrates challenged Agathon’s views by suggesting that Love cannot be a god because it is defined by its need for what it lacks.

Socrates' Objection

In Plato's "Symposium," Apollodorus, a devoted follower of Socrates, recounts a conversation he had with Glaucon about a dinner party held in Athens over a decade earlier. Though Apollodorus wasn't present, his friend Eryximachus, who was also a student of Socrates, had attended. Eryximachus detailed the events of the symposium, where Socrates had invited him for a discussion on Love (Eros).

Apollodorus

For wisdom is a most beautiful thing, and Love is of the beautiful; therefore, Love is also a philosopher or lover of wisdom, and being a lover of wisdom is in a mean between the wise and the ignorant.

Eryximachus, a physician, offered a medical perspective on Love. He discussed its effects on health, harmony, and balance in the body, as well as its influence on music, weather, and divine relationships. Eryximachus highlighted how Love maintains cosmic and human order.

The Speech Of Eryximachus

Pausanias distinguishing two types of Love:Common Love: physical and fleeting type of love, often driven by desire and is associated with temporary attractions and physical pleasure.Heavenly Love: This is the more intellectual and enduring form of love, which is focused on the mind and soul. It involves a deeper connection and is characterized by mutual respect and the pursuit of intellectual and moral development.Pausanias argues that while Common Love is important, it is Heavenly Love that should be celebrated and aspired to, as it leads to a more virtuous and fulfilling relationship.

The Speech Of Pausanais

Phaedrus, a young rhetorician argued that Love is one of the oldest and most venerable gods, revered for its profound influence. He believed Love inspires both pride and shame, emotions that drive individuals to noble deeds, such as sacrificing oneself for a loved one, which he argued is beneficial for society, especially in wartime.

The Speech Of Phaedrus

Agathon, the host of the symposium, gave a highly praised speech celebrating Love as the youngest and most beautiful of the gods. He praised Love for its admirable qualities and its influence on all good things. However, his speech was more focused on the attributes of Love rather than a deep philosophical analysis.

The Speech Of Agathon

Alcibiades, a prominent politician, arrived drunk and praised Socrates. He admired Socrates’ self-discipline and intellectual focus but found his lifestyle peculiar and difficult to emulate. Alcibiades’ praise, despite his inebriation, underscored Socrates’ remarkable qualities.

The Speech Of Alcibiades

The symposium eventually descended into chaos because of the effect of excessive drinking. The following morning, Socrates had brief conversations with Agathon and Aristophanes before retreating to live alone.

Ending

Socrates then presented Diotima’s views. According to Diotima, a learned woman, Love is not a deity but a daimon, a spirit that exists between humans and gods.Diotima explained that Love’s role is to give birth to beauty in both the mind and the body. True beauty, she argued, is eternal and unchanging. Diotima outlined a "ladder of ascent" in which the lover progresses from an appreciation of individual bodies to a broader understanding of universal beauty, culminating in the vision of the eternal Good.

The Speech Of Socrates

A fascinating discussion on sex, gender, and human instincts by one of history’s greatest philosophers.   In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society, and basic human instincts. The debate precedes one great after another: Agathon, Aristodemus, Eryximachus, Pausanias, Aristophanes, and Socrates—all describing love in many possible permutations and combinations. The dialogue culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato’s mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love.